Movie Review: War and Peace (1956)

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑ 1/2

Picture Credits: film forum.org via Google Images

This particular rendition of Leo Tolstoy's magnum opus is a must watch for all fans of history - it follows the intertwined fates of three aristocratic families during Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Russia in the War of 1812. The narrative broadly revolves around the lives and entanglements of the three main characters during this time -  Natasha Rostova (Audrey Hepburn), Pierre Bezukhov (Henry Fonda) and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky (Mel Ferrer). 

Realised by Oscar-nominated director, King Vidor, the epic film is surely a feast for the eyes with its array of realistic and intricate costumes created by Marie De Matteis, which are very well-researched and congruous to the setting in which the movie takes place in. A fictionalised retelling of the events that forced Napoleon to throw in the towel in his conquest of Imperial Russia, the film received Academy Award nominations for Best Director, Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography (Colour). It was shot primarily in Ponti-Di Laurentiis and Cinecittà studios in Rome.

This is a must watch for Audrey fans as she delivers one of her best performances as lively and spontaneous Natasha, endearing viewers to the character more and more as the movie makes its progress: Audrey is charming and believable as Natasha and the costumes she dons in the film make it a must watch for all fashion fans. Mel Ferrer is well suited to his role as aloof Prince Andrei and delivers a terrific performance as well. Henry Fonda plays his character in an endearing manner, however, this particular setting with his prevalent American accent renders him a fish out of water. Besides this, the movie's only blameworthiness lies in its tedious run time; with the movie clocking in at nearly three and a half hours long.

The chemistry amongst the leads is commendable and convincing whilst the anti-heroes of the story are so well cast that they genuinely make you despise their respective characters (Anita Ekberg of 'La Dolce Vita' fame plays the role of Helene Kuragina and Vittorio Gassman is her absolutely detestable brother Anatole Kuragin). The film also features a memorable score along with stellar cinematography and all in all, is a must for cinéphiles, bibliophiles and fashionistas alike.